The two brothers suspected of the Boston Marathon attack were motivated by radical Islam, but were not connected to a terror group, investigators say.
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, who is recovering from injuries sustained during a day-long manhunt, including some that may be self-inflicted, was interrogated by U.S. officials. Some of the unnamed officials spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the news service reported Tuesday.
The officials said they believe the brothers were motivated by an anti-American, radical version of Islam, following questioning that involved Dzhokhar Tsarnaev writing down answers since he is wounded in his throat and unable to speak.
The alleged bomber said that the brothers did not receive any direct financing from other governments or rogue groups overseas.
The FBI reportedly said that surveillance-camera footage showed Dzhokhar Tsarnaev playing with his cellphone immediately before the two explosions.
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged Monday at his bedside in Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with using a “weapon of mass destruction” — a charge that could bring the death penalty.
The brothers were identified as suspects after authorities reviewed photos and video taken on the afternoon of the marathon on April 15, when two bombs killed three people and wounded more than 170.
Meanwhile, police in Waltham, Mass. reportedly have reopened an investigation into a 2011 triple murder to determine whether the dead alleged bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev committed the crime.
Two of the victims were Jewish, Erik Weissman and Raphael Teken. The third victim, Brendan Mess, was considered to be a close friend of Tamerlan’s. Tamerlan did not attend his funeral.